2014-15 Labor Honor Roll

Share:

“Herman Googe, Betty Kuehnel and Bill Rudis are a part of the fabric of our council. They are the golden threads that shine in the rich tapestry of this council and in the Connecticut labor movement, “ says labor council president Peggy Buchanan in honoring the three. Googe for many years had been a delegate to the Greater Hartford Labor Council, a union activist and steward for Machinists Local 1746 at Pratt and Whitney and an early member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Kuehnel served as the council’s assistant treasurer, was a long-serving delegate committed to community services and an advocate for public employees. Rudis had served as president of the council, is a 48-year member of Machinists union and a representative to the union’s Grand Lodge. “They have all three stood up for workers rights, for dignity on the job and for livable wages and benefits,” Buchanan adds. She notes that over their many years of activism in the labor movement the trio lobbied for jobs arguing against the passage of NAFTA and Fast Track, against plant closings, supported public services and stood against privatization of public services on the state and local level. They also fought discrimination in the workplace, fought for equal rights, civil rights and for pay equity. “We have seen hard times when workers have suffered layoffs and hardships, “ says Buchanan. “There have been victories and there have been disappointments. Throughout it all, they gave us their leadership, friendship and support. They poured their hearts and souls into making this world a better place to live. That’s why we honor them and thank them for all their contributions.” ---February 4, 2015